A nurse is reviewing the ECG tracing strip of a client who is receiving telemetry monitoring.
The nurse should locate the S-T segment at which of the following locations on the electrocardiographic waveform.

Choice A rationale

For a preschooler, play is the primary mechanism for coping and learning. A pounding board allows the child to express frustration and aggression in a safe, appropriate manner. This type of play helps to relieve tension and anxiety associated with hospitalization. It provides a healthy outlet for emotions that the child may not be able to articulate verbally, which is crucial for this developmental stage.

Choice B rationale

Preschoolers have a limited understanding of complex language. Using medical terminology can be frightening and confusing to them, increasing their anxiety. Nurses should use simple, concrete language that the child can understand, such as "checking your arm" instead of "taking your blood pressure," to help them feel more secure and cooperative with care.

Choice C rationale

Preschoolers thrive on routine and predictability. Establishing a new routine can be disruptive and increase their stress and fear. The nurse should strive to maintain as much of the child's home routine as possible to provide a sense of security and normalcy. This helps them feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the hospital environment.

Choice D rationale

A preschooler may experience separation anxiety when a parent leaves the room. Performing assessments while the parent is present helps the child feel more secure and supported. The parent can also provide comfort and help distract the child, which can make procedures easier and less frightening for the child. This promotes a trusting relationship between the child, parent, and nurse.

Choice A rationale

This 12-year-old child with cystic fibrosis and difficulty clearing secretions is the priority. Cystic fibrosis causes thick mucus to accumulate in the lungs, leading to airway obstruction. Inability to clear these secretions indicates a potential acute respiratory crisis, which can rapidly progress to respiratory failure. This is a life-threatening airway and breathing emergency requiring immediate assessment and intervention to prevent respiratory compromise.

Choice B rationale

A 3-year-old with an atrial septal defect and a heart rate of 120/min is a non-acute finding. A heart rate of 120/min is within the normal range for a toddler (90-140/min) and is a common physiological response in a child with a heart defect to maintain cardiac output. This child is stable and does not present with an immediate life-threatening condition.

Choice C rationale

A 2-year-old with diarrhea and abdominal pain is a non-acute finding. While these symptoms require attention, they are common in toddlers and do not typically represent an immediate life-threatening emergency unless accompanied by signs of severe dehydration or septic shock. Other children with respiratory issues take priority due to the higher potential for rapid decompensation.

Choice D rationale

A 5-year-old with type 1 diabetes mellitus and a blood sugar of 150 mg/dL is stable. A blood sugar of 150 mg/dL is within a safe, controlled range for a child with type 1 diabetes, which is typically 80-180 mg/dL. This child does not require immediate intervention as their blood glucose is not indicative of hypo- or hyperglycemia crises. .